An Unlikely Test

I love this story of Gideon because we are so like him. In the last few verses of Judges 6 we find Gideon doubting God. First, he tests God by asking Him to reassure himself that God will truly save Israel by Gideon’s hand as God had promised. So he asked God to leave dew on a wool fleece that he had laid on the ground, but leave no dew on the earth around the fleece so that he would know God would do as He has said. When Gideon squeezed out the fleece the next morning, a bowlful of water came out and the ground around the fleece was dry. Though Gideon said he would believe after the first test, it seems he still needed more assurance from God. So even though he knew that he might possibly be angering God, he asked him to do the opposite and make the ground wet but the fleece dry. Again, God did as he asked. Now Gideon never came right out and said he didn’t believe God, but we can see in his question to God that he has some doubts because he asks, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—“ Jdg 6:36 If?...If? Don’t we know that God can do anything, and He will do everything He says He will do?

This reminds me of the story in Mark 9:14-32 where a father brought his son to the disciples to have an evil spirit driven out of him, but the disciples were unable to remove the spirit. So the father tells Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus answered, “If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes.” At that, the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” I think Gideon, like this man, had a case of unbelief. And like this man, Gideon needed to say, “I believe! Help my unbelief!” Are you in a spot like Gideon where God has told you what to do but you keep testing Him? It’s time to step out in faith and believe that God will do what He’s said He will do. It’s also time to stop for a moment and tell God, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”

You know, God knows where each of us are in our walk with Him. He’s not going to condemn us for questioning Him if we truly aren’t sure what He’s asking of us. But when God has given us a word or a promise, shouldn’t we trust Him instead of test Him? God is not a man that He should lie to us. (Num 29:19) He is trustworthy. And if He makes a promise to us, then we know that He will follow through. Let’s trust God that He will do what He says He will do. And when we trust Him, and we see Him follow through, our faith will increase and there will be no room for unbelief and doubts. And there will also be no reason to bring before God any unlikely, unnecessary tests.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the One True God and You are trustworthy. Thank you that I can depend on You. Thank You for Your promises. I know that Your word is true. Help me to see any area that I am holding on to unbelief. Lord, I do belief! Help my unbelief! I know that You will do what You’ve said You will do. Thank You for Your faithfulness.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

 *All Scripture references are from the New International Version
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